June 8, 2009, Lima, Peru: The Peruvian Forensic Anthropology Team (EPAF) is demanding an investigation after twenty police officers and an undetermined number of civilians were killed Friday, June 5, in violent clashes between the National Police and indigenous groups.
The violence occurred in Bagua, a town located in the northeast corner of Peru.
EPAF, a partner of The Advocacy Project, is asking for a comprehensive report on the actual number of dead and wounded among the police and civilians and an inquiry into any possible forced disappearances during these events. The group has issued the following statement:
“EPAF expresses its solidarity with the relatives of each and every one of the victims for the unjust and unnecessary loss of their loved ones; insists that there are legitimate and legal strategies to resolve social conflict in Peru other than through more violence and bloodshed; manifests concern that the numbers of dead and wounded provided by the state and civil society organizations are distinct and in many cases contradictory; and feels that the explanations given by the state regarding the intervention provide insufficient justification for the actions taken.
As a result and for the benefit of the nation, EPAF demands:
– the formation of an independent investigatory commission to clarify the violent acts that have occurred;
– a comprehensive and conclusive report of the actual number of dead and wounded among police and civilians;
– a determination of the exact circumstances under which the victims were killed or wounded;
– an inquiry into possible cases of forced disappearances of civilians during these events;
– that criminal responsibility for this case be determined based on the findings of the aforementioned investigations.
We all must understand that the loss of life is irreparable and that the pain of some should not be valued over the pain of others because, in the end we are all Peruvian.”
Posted By
Posted Jun 8th, 2009